Neymar tipped to join Barcelona in July

Barcelona are set to win the race for Neymar, a reported target for Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United, with the Brazilian sensation set to transfer to the Camp Nou in July, say reports in Spain.

According to Barcelona based newspaper Sport, Neymar will complete a transfer to Barcelona when the summer transfer window opens, with representatives of both the player and his team Santos reported to have confirmed a deal is in place.

Barcelona have previously been reported to have struck an agreement for the signing of Neymar, but these initial claims were denied by the Catalan club and his Brazilian employers Santos.

But Sport suggest a deal between Barcelona and Santos has been agreed, which will see Neymar move to Spain a year before his contract expires, with a fee for the move yet to be revealed.

The 20-year-old is one of the most coveted players on the planet and, along with Barcelona, is reported to be on the radar of numerous other prominent European clubs, of which Premier League trio Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are included.

Manchester United were credited with a bid for Neymar on the final day of the summer transfer window of 2012, as Sir Alex Ferguson looked to follow up the capture of Robin van Persie with another marquee signing.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have been linked with Neymar for some time, and the Stamford Bridge club's Brazilian contingent have pleaded for their compatriot to join them, most notably Oscar who has thrived since his transfer to west London.

Manchester City's vast wealth has always placed Roberto Mancini's side near the front of the queue for Neymar, but whether or not the Premier League champions will make an approach remains to be seen.

City do, however, want to sign Barcelona striker David Villa - the report from Sport adds - with Neymar's arrival likely to prompt a bidding war between the Etihad Stadium club and Arsenal.